Welcome to the Pastoral Perspectives podcast. Our aim is to help Christians grow spiritually by bringing pastoral wisdom and biblical clarity to important issues of Christian faith and practice. Each episode offers a thoughtful, biblical, and pastoral take on a matter of Christian theology, church life, spiritual growth, or cultural relevance that is shaped by years of local church ministry. Pastoral Perspectives is a ministry of the pastors of Vista Bible Church (http://www.shepherds-church.org) in Lafayette, Colorado.
In this episode we talk about what is truly the great mystery of the Christian faith. The doctrine of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity is a biblical truth that nearly every Christian knows is important and ought to be believed – but far fewer know why that is the case, or what this truth has to do with their daily life, or what exactly makes it good.
30 Sept 2026
Episode 58: Questions About the Doctrine of Election
A friend asked for our perspective on some tough questions regarding the doctrine of election: What about Scriptures that teach that God desires for all people to be saved? And Scriptures that teach that people must still believe in Christ to be saved? And if God has chosen certain people to salvation, why does the Bible say that he desires all people to be saved? And if God has chosen certain people to salvation, why does he call all people everywhere to believe in Jesus to be saved? Here are our responses.
Also, here is the quote from Herman Bavinck mentioned in the video: “Over and over in history we see the will of God assert itself in two ways. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son, yet he does not let it happen (Gen. 22). He wants Pharaoh to let his people Israel go, yet hardens his heart so that he does not do it (Exod. 4:21). He has the prophet tell Hezekiah that he will die; still he adds fifteen years to his life (Isa. 38:1, 5). He prohibits us from condemning the innocent, yet Jesus is delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23; 3:18; 4:28). God does not will sin; he is far from iniquity. He forbids it and punishes it severely, yet it exists and is subject to his rule (Exod. 4:21; Josh. 11:20; I Sam. 2:25; 2 Sam. 16:10; Acts 2:23; 4:28; Rom. 1:24, 26; 2 Thess. 2:11; etc.). He wills the salvation of all (Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11; I Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9), yet has mercy on whom he wills and hardens who he wills (Rom. 9:18).” (Bavinck, Dogmatics, vol. 2. p. 241)
23 Sept 2026
Episode 57: Medical Aid in Dying (MAID): How Should Christians Respond?
A friend asked us how Christians should respond to loved ones who are considering or have decided to end their lives through MAID. Here's our answer.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Host of Pastoral Perspectives?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
